Cap. 556 Art. 3Declaration, scope and guiding principle.

(1) The Republic of Malta recognises Maltese sign language as an expression of culture and endorsement for equal opportunities and inclusion. The purpose of this Act is to promote and maintain the use of Maltese Sign Language by declaring Maltese Sign Language to be an official language of Malta and empowering the making of regulations setting competency standards for the interpretation of Maltese Sign Language.

(2) The guiding principle of this Act is that the Deaf community should be consulted on matters relating to Maltese Sign Language including the promotion of the use and development of Maltese Sign Language.